In the World of Summer Camps for Kids, There are a Wealth of Different Camp Options to Help Your Kids Unleash their Inner Confidence, Forge Lasting Friendships, and Discover Accepting Camp Communities.
Some Handy Contents
More challenges exist in todays world for the early development of our kids and teens. The advent of the internet has created an entire new world of discovery and distraction.
Summer camps, and other unplugged outdoor adventures for kids, are becoming more and more necessary for the early development of our future leaders. Despite the different goals of each summer camp, ALL will strive for the same values of teamwork, confidence building, and personal empowerment.
Everybody’s version of Mt. Everest will be different. For some kids, it will be the local mountain peak and the overwhelming feeling of self-empowerment that they’ll feel standing on it’s summit.
And for other kids, that first business plan they’ve been working on all summer will represent not only their time and efforts but their dreams and personal career aspirations as well.
They can both be just as empowering and important for your kids future growth. As all parents know though, each kid can be a different spice of life. Therefore their personal and life goals will all be different as well (and probably constantly changing, as it is even with adults). It’s all about finding and picking the right summer camp type for your kid.
Whichever summer camp will bring out the biggest smiles, the biggest hearts, and most importantly the biggest sense of empowerment and excitement for what’s ahead in life.
Talk to your kid or teen well before a decision on the summer camp is made, and include them in every part of the consideration process to create a stronger feeling of ownership. This will help to allay their doubts, and move straight to the exciting part – the build-up to the first day of camp!
Traditional Summer Camps for Kids
A traditional summer camp is more-than-likely similar to those awesome experiences that you remember yourself as a kid at camp.
Or the mere mention of summer camp will conjure in your mind the typical outdoor images that are emblematic of this unique outdoor experience.
The warm and inviting feelings at the campfire activity each night, the nervous last breathe as you took your first steps on the ropes course or those decorated tree cookies that are still hopefully lingering around in your possessions somewhere.
These are all of the activities and traditions that are expected at a traditional kids summer camp. Depending on the location and season of the camp, the activities offered can vary widely.
Many summer camps endeavor to go above and beyond in creating fun activities for the campers. There will usually be a theme attached to each summer camp session that could range from superheroes to rock star camps.
Be aware of the theme and prepare your kid with the appropriate theme-based clothing and gear. Every kid wants to feel cool at camp! A fun onesy for your kid or teen might be a good place to start. I’ve seen many a camper and counselor rock a onesy during the theme challenges and the camp dance.
Other expected activities at any traditional summer camp include the ropes course, canoeing / kayaking, swimming, archery, arts & crafts, and campfire performances.
The best place to start looking for camps would be our very own Summer Camp Search. We feature a wondrous array of options to help parents. From Harry Potter themed camps to Summer Camps with Horseback riding and far, far more. You can search now by clicking HERE.
Your kids local schools should have a few recommendations as well.
Trusting summer camps for kids can be tricky for our wonderful camp parents. Without an inside perspective, it can be hard to even figure out where to start in how to trust your kids summer camp.
Fear not, we feel your plight and we’re here to help!
Our recent post will provide you with the essential awareness to ensure your kid has the best time at summer camp. You deserve to feel completely comfortable sending them for their summer camp adventure. You can read this helpful post by clicking: How to Trust Kids Summer Camps!
Academic & Technology Summer Camps
The world is a fast-moving landscape for our kids these days. Technology and the advent of the internet have created new opportunities for career aspirations.
If your kid has a passionate interest in a certain aspect of technology or a certain career path, it’s never too early to start exposing them to it.
These summer camps are also great opportunities for teens to check out their first-choice colleges as many of them actually take place on college campuses across the United States. Click Here to see a list of camps that are located on college campuses!
More importantly, its never too early for the right professional mentors to start sharing their inspiring passion for their jobs. These Academic & Technology Summer Camps can include:
- 3D Printing & Modelling
- Video Game Design & Computer Animation
- Computer Coding & Programming
- Pre-Med Medical Programs
- Introductions to Legal & Law Programs
There are also many summer camps out there that specialize in offering a small glimpse of certain career paths. This will help to guide your kid or teen in starting to think about forging a life for themselves in these professions.
Its never too early to start figuring out the all-important life question that confronts all of us, what do we really want. These camps are sometimes referred to as theme camps, and can include:
- Architecture
- Aviation
- Engineering
- Farming
- Fashion
- Gaming
- Magic
- Outdoor Sciences
- Space
- STEM
- Theatrical Stunts
Remember to discuss these exciting options with your kids & teens. They should always be included in the decision-making process to ensure their full commitment and excitement for the chosen programs.
We’ve compiled a list of Academic & Technology Summer Camps across the entire country with filters to let you dial down on certain subjects. Making it easy and quick to find the summer camp that will help your kids to soar towards their dreams! Click Here to start searching!
Travel & Expedition Summer Camps
Travel & Expedition Summer Camps are THE outdoor adventures that will push your kids, challenge them to dig deep, and will be remembered forever for the confidence and empowerment that it unleashed.
These summer camps don’t usually base themselves around one location, instead choosing to engage in point-to-point outdoor expeditions. They can last from one week to the majority of the summer.
Depending on the location of the camp, the expeditions will cover a few different outdoor disciplines. Such as backpacking, rock climbing, sailing, caving, biking, scuba diving, and kayaking.
There will be numerous goals conquered throughout the length of the expedition by your kids and teens. The ripples of this growth will provide newfound confidence and set them on the path to future success.
Summer camps and outdoor organizations that offer Travel & Expedition Camps for the kids need to maintain the highest safety and insurance standards. The following are critical considerations for the safety and well-being of your kids and teens in any backcountry area:
Their guides should possess several outdoor certifications with the minimal expectation being a Wilderness First Responder certification and an AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certification of either Single Pitch or Climbing Wall Instructor. These two certification types cover the medical and climbing / rigging needs of the expedition group.
Keep in mind that if the trip travels into any high backcountry locations that includes any prolonged time within snowbound areas, then an additional level of certification will be absolutely necessary.
The minimal expectation would be for at least 1 guide to possess a current Level 1 Avalanche Certification from either an AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Rescue & Education) or AMGA-Approved Course.
A good place to start looking for these camps would be:
Our own Kids Camp Search listings for Travel & Expeditions Camps – https://kidscampingessentials.com/camps/search/travel-expedition/
NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) – https://www.nols.edu/en/
Special Needs Summer Camps
Special Needs Summer Camps offer outdoor fun for mentally, emotionally, or physically challenged kids. These summer camps feature many of the same traditional camp activities offered at other camps.
They place a special level of consideration and resource on the activities and schedules of the camp. After all, every kid deserves an awesome, unplugged outdoor adventure at summer camp!
It has been a unique and incredible privilege in my life to have worked and planned sessions at some of these summer camps.
The strength that these kids can show in the face of some serious adversity is humbling to watch. I consider many of these memories to be the luckiest and most endearing of my life. The chance to learn real strength from real champions.
The staff at these Special Needs Summer Camps are a passionate and committed bunch, with a strong belief in helping and supporting kids everywhere.
A particularly strong and approachable camp director is required at these summer camps, as the level of consideration for all kids, teens, and adults can be immense.
There are a whole slew of exciting summer camp types within this category alone:
- Asthma
- Autism
- Development Disabilities
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Kids Coping With Family Tragedy
- Hearing or Visual Impaired
- HIV and AIDS
- Physical Disabilities
- Speech Impaired
A good place to start looking for these summer camps would be:
Our own Kids Camp Search listings for Special Needs Camps – https://kidscampingessentials.com/camps/search/special-needs/
Very Special Camps – https://www.veryspecialcamps.com/
Arts & Performance Summer Camps
Sometimes it is the kids inner artist that needs to be unleashed.
There’s actually an inspirational story here with the incredible early development of Gillian Lynne. She worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber to create the choreography for two of the longest-running shows on Broadway – Cats and The Phantom of the Opera.
In her early school years, her constant fidgeting and lack of focus had led to poor grades and frustrated teachers. There was a concern that this would have an impact on the rest of her life. Well thankfully for the world, it did!
Her mother took her to a doctor and explained the situation. Upon hearing it, the doctor turned up the radio and asked to speak to the mother privately outside the room. The doctor then encouraged the mother to look back into the room.
Her young daughter was dancing wildly and excitedly to the music. The doctor informed the mother that her energy was not a negative issue.
It simply had to be directed into a different focus and encouraged the mother to sign her up for dancing school. How deprived the world would have been had it not been for that doctors wisdom.
Thankfully there are many Arts & Performance Summer Camps across the world today. They cover a range of different types: Acting, Musical Theater, Dance, Circus, Art, Music, and Writing. They all share the common goal of trying to elevate your kids artistic passion to the next level.
The best place to find these summer camps is our very own Summer Camp Search. We have a dedicated category, and a bunch of exciting options to help you find the perfect place for your kids to explore their artistic interests. Click Here to start your Summer Camp Search now!
Another good place to start looking for these summer camps would be your local library, community center and local non-profit organizations (such as the YMCA). If your city has community theaters, they are always great places to inquire as well.
Faith-Based Summer Camps
If a religious motivation and a desire to have your kid develop a stronger awareness with their religion is the goal, then Faith-Based Summer Camps could be your answer.
Many churches and temples across the world offer kids summer camps. Keep in mind that some work within a day camp structure that requires drop-off and pick-up at the beginning and end of each day.
Residential summer camp experiences at Religious Camps will focus on creating a stronger connection for the kids in their respective faiths.
These summer camps can be quite impressive with a level of almost unmatched resources. In many cases, these camps are managed and operated as a small part of a much wider non-profit organization.
The summer camps will feature the same traditional camp activities but will commit much more time in the day to prayer time and religious studies. The values of the particular kids camp will also be heavily influenced by the religion.
It’s important for parents to be able to distinguish these summer camps from the rest, and we’ve made it super easy for you within our Kids Summer Camp Search – https://kidscampingessentials.com/camps/search/faith-based/.
Military Camps & Police Academies
You may think that every form of military camp or police academy is some kind of boot camp punishment for troubled youth.
Well, that is not the case at all. There are several summer camps across the country that open their doors to motivated kids participating in camp programs that are organized and run by various military and police branches.
Some of these programs will even measure the kids performance during the school year and challenge them to really earn this unique experience.
I was working at a summer camp once with a visiting police academy group. The teens were incredibly motivated and all had aspirations of becoming future police officers.
The focus of the program for the week was on leadership development, physical conditioning, and stress challenges. It was a very strict program that was run with an expectation of discipline and respect.
I remember thinking at the time that it was the quietest dining hall at mealtime that I have ever experienced at summer camp. They were stone cold silent the entire meal, and I quickly realized that they were actually not allowed to socialize with each other during the mealtimes.
I also remember that from the early, early hours to after dinner of each day, there was always a large group of them that were running.
This activity was obviously expected by all to us to be pretty much a constant thing during the week.
What was most surprising to me was the level of pain and physical degradation that the kids experienced, all while maintaining strong discipline and always finding moments to sneak an enthusiastic smile to the camp staff whenever they could.
I actually really resonated with this strength, and hugely respected the kids for having found it at such an early age.
I remember seeing a kid puke up privately behind a bush in the middle of a run, then catch me looking and wishing I could help him at that moment.
I then immediately felt foolish for thinking that because his head emerged from the bushes with a big smile wrapped across his entire face and an eager thumbs up in my direction. It actually reminded me of past rugby practices back in the day when I used to do the exact same thing.
A military camp or police academy can be one of the most powerful ways to instill and foster leadership in your kids and teens. And its never too early for them to find and unleash that deep inner strength in our hearts that exists within all of us.
A good place to start looking for these camps would be your local police and military stations/branches. Many of the military programs for kids take place on the bases themselves.
Scouts Camps
There has been one kids summer camp experience that throughout the decades has always been synonymous with leadership for young campers. And that is the Scouts Camps.
The Scouts are actually one of the biggest landowners of camps and outdoor areas across the United States. The majority of the largest and most well-funded summer camps I have ever worked at in my career have been Scout camps.
They have a large alumni network of support, and many are still willing to volunteer to lend a hand whenever there is a need.
They are also very accessible for most parents as strong Scout chapters exist in every state for young boys and girls. Some Scout camps even allow non-scout kids to attend for an extra fee.
The kids will enjoy all of the traditional summer camp activities with the same awesome camp spirit and community.
But the Scouts structure of summer camp will present a different schedule to a regular camp, with a stronger focus on leadership and earning achievement badges for the kids and their cabin groups.
A good place to start looking for these camps would be our Kids Camp Search. We have an Affiliation / Group search filter that will allow you to specifically search for these affiliated camps. Check it out Now!
Foster Kids Summer Camps
The campers at Foster Kids Summer Camps have left one of the strongest impressions on me. When I think of these kids and see their faces, the emotions are overwhelming.
I have learned so much about myself from these incredible kids, and have also learned what it is to be truly strong for others. I thought I had already had a good handle on this lesson from my past backcountry guiding days, but boy was I wrong!
Many of these kids I would trust and feel confident hiking with into the deep backcountry. More so actually than many adults that I know.
I have met kids who have had to endure so much in their lives that the biggest support I could provide to them was just to listen and truly believe in them.
Foster Kids Summer Camps offer families a chance to bring all of the siblings together again for a memorable outdoor adventure together at camp. This is perhaps the one and only time of the entire year that they will all be together.
The camp staff will build into the schedule an arts and crafts activity of some sort with the goal of creating personal souvenirs for each other that they can take away at the end of the summer camp session.
The most memorable arts and crafts activity that I have seen had the foster kids making and decorating pillows for each other with personal messages written on them. So that they could see that message and have the chance to hug their sibling every night of the year.
The power of belief is a hugely empowering feeling, and perhaps one of the most beautiful things that is created at kids summer camps. Especially for a troubled kid with an older counselor mentor who truly loves and believes in them.
I find myself always looking forward to these summer camp sessions with a particular excitement for the lessons to be learned by everyone. And for the joy to be received and given by some of those who need it most.
A good place to start looking for these camps would be your local non-profit community organizations as well as prominent national charity organizations.
Sports Summer Camps
Sports Summer Camps have risen in the past couple of decades to a new level of prestige and recognition. They have attracted big-name sponsors, such as Nike, and big-name athletes.
All in the common goal of offering kids the chance to take their performance in their chosen sports to the next competitive level.
Colleges and other recruiting options have caught wind of these performance-based summer camps too and now utilize them as a means to unearthing and tracking potential new talent.
Sports Summer Camps will offer the same traditional camp activities, but the locations of these summer camps can vary widely. Some are offered in city locations at college campuses, and others at remote outdoor camps with enhanced sporting facilities.
It is absolutely eye-opening the sheer size of some of these sports facilities that exist in remote locations at summer camps on the upper East Coast.
If your kid has a deep passion and commitment to a particular professional sport, there is definitely a summer camp somewhere out there that is focused on your kids development in it.
A good place to start looking for these Sports Summer Camps would be RIGHT HERE within a dedicated category in our Kids Summer Camp Search. We have many exciting sports options for kids & teens!
What is the American Camp Association?
The ACA, or American Camp Association, is the largest and foremost authority on ensuring that a summer camp is a safe and quality experience for your kids.
They also work very closely with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Red Cross to ensure that proper standards are maintained across all areas of summer camp management.
There is, unfortunately, no current requirement for summer camps to be accredited by any outside, regulating authority.
Though the states and counties do track camp standards through their various Departments of Health. It should be noted that the managing standards can vary, depending on a variety of outside factors (such as available funding and resources).
Most legitimate summer camps are either accredited by the ACA or in the process to be accredited. There may be an exception for certain Scout Camps, as they sometimes prefer to certify themselves within their own national charter.
All of our summer camp profiles make it clear which camps maintain this accreditation. Simply look for the ACA image within the profile. If no image is seen, then the summer camp is currently not ACA accredited.
Keep in mind that the ACA does not accredit day programs or any camp that is less than 3 days in length.
Handy Tip for Parents!
The Boys And Girls Clubs of America give economically challenged parents an affordable way to send their kids off for a life-changing summer camp experience.
There are B&GC branches located all across the country committed to providing safe learning and development spaces for your kids and teens after school. They have also usually forged strong relationships with other community non-profit organizations.
Many YMCAs and other community non-profits that offer summer camps will work with their local Boys and Girls Clubs to offer special discounted rates for their sessions.
These kids truly deserve an impacting summer camp experience; the chance to get away and the freedom to just enjoy being kids.
You can find your local Boys and Girls Club of American branch by clicking HERE!
Financial aid is also one of the most important aspects of our camp profiles on our Kids Summer Camp Search. As said, every kid deserves an unplugged adventure. Many summer camps will go to incredible lengths to ensure that no family is ever turned away. Click Here to search for summer camps offering financial aid!
The Traditional Summer Camp Activities
You’ve been reading this post and seeing this term mentioned throughout. Wondering what are the Traditional Summer Camp Activities?
Traditional Summer Camp Activities are the activities that almost every summer camp offers for the kids, regardless of values, location, or season. They will create some of the most memorable and heart-jerking moments at summer camp for your kids.
This recent post on What Are The Traditional Programs at Kids Summer Camps will provide all of the essential answers for our wonderful camp parents.
What About Camps for Teens?
Teen Leadership, and Career Camps, are becoming more important as we see countless teens being consumed by their screens every year.
With the working world fast approaching, the ability for teens to express themselves confidently without a keyboard is crucial and necessary.
We want our teens to be full of confidence when they step boldly into that new working world. There are six main differences to the summer camp programs for teens.
This recent post on How to Trust Summer Camps for Teens will provide all of the answers and insights.
What about Family Camps?
Most camps that offer summer camps for the kids will also offer a family camp session as well at the tail end of the summer. This will be a shortened, weekend camp session that will include all of the summer camp activities with a looser schedule to accommodate everyone.
Many summer camps even like to include this session in the kids summer camp schedules as a part of a visiting parents experience. It will be your opportunity to not only enjoy time with your kids in an unplugged adventure but also to get a closer look at their summer camp.
This is a helpful option for many parents who are anxious or nervous about sending their kids for their first summer camp experience away from home.
Your kid will have a much easier time settling in at summer camp if they have already familiarized themselves with their camp surroundings. You will also have an easier time letting them go with this same awareness.
And given that kids summer camps start at ages 7 and 8, you have plenty of time to create some lasting camp memories with your kids before they set off on their own unplugged experiences.
A good place to start looking for these camps would be your local YMCA, church or public library. And your kids local schools should have a few recommendations as well.
That’s A Wrap!
Hopefully, this post on how to choose the right summer camps for kids is helpful, insightful, and enjoyable for you. Your kids and teens time at summer camp will become some of the most memorable highlights of their entire childhood.
The ripples of personal growth, lasting friendships, and new summer camp family will impact your kid or teen in positive ways for the rest of their lives. Setting them on the path to success to becoming our future leaders.
Have a great time preparing your young camper for their unforgettable camp adventures!
“Camp is the first place people liked me for being me.”
– Former Camper
For more of the best kids camp tips and insight, subscribe to our free and exclusive KCE Camp Tidbits emails.
It’s good to know that travel and expedition camps offer the highest safety and insurance standards. My wife and I are wanting to send our sons to summer camp and we want to make sure they’re safe while they’re away from us. I’ll be sure to look for a travel and expedition camp for them.
Appreciate the kind word Frank! Safety and insurance are extremely important for every camp. Even more so when the adventure takes place completely on trail or water. I’m sure your sons will have a fantastic adventure. If you need any extra support, we’ll be glad to help.
Thank you for the kind word!
Appreciate the kind word!
Appreciate the kind word – It’s all about getting kids outside!
Thank you – I loved writing it!
Thank you for the kind word!
I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written!
Thank you Lila – we appreciate the kind word!
It’s good to know that family camps are also an option. I’ve been thinking about sending my kids to a summer camp. I think it’d be a great way to for them get outside.
Family Camps are also a good way to feel out a camp, and gain some familiarity with it before you send the kids off on their own adventure. The Camp Director and the staff will be far more approachable without the hustle and bustle of summer camp. I hope you do send your kids, it’s an unforgettable experience that’ll build a whole lot of confidence. Check out our Summer Camp Search, and do reach out if we can help.